Ed Usset, noted University of Minnesota Grain Marketing Specialist will be the keynote speaker discussing “Drought Marketing Strategies” at the Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association, Spring Farm Management Update. The results of the analysis of the 2012 profitably and financial data of the Association’s member farms will be presented at the March 28, 2013 meeting at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center at Lamberton.

According to Don Nitchie, Extension Educator, Agricultural Business Management, 2012 Net Farm Incomes are expected to be at near record average levels but, may vary greatly among individual producers. This variability has increased risks especially at recent higher commodity, input and asset prices and under drought conditions. As a result agricultural economists and many leaders in agriculture are encouraging producers who want to sustain their profitability and asset values to focus on; “benchmarking” their operations financial performance to that of peer operations to help make informed decisions; developing strategies for farm transition and preserving balance sheet values; focusing on profit margin management and incorporating risk management strategies into their business plans.

These topics and more will be covered on March 28th at this all day informational and educational session sponsored by the Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association, the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center and University of Minnesota Extension. Detailed program information and registration information is available at http://swroc.cfans.umn.eduor by calling Barb Lenning at (507) 752-7372. Pre-registration is available until Mar. 22nd. Association members, their guests and other interested individuals are welcome to attend. There is a registration fee required.